BY THE NUMBERS

Vikings: Asiata got the start at running back but McKinnon was more productive back with 45 yards on 16 carries. Panthers: Cameron Artis Payne started over Fozzy Whittaker with Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) out of the lineup and ran for 47 yards on 12 carries. Whittaker only got five carries and had 22 yards rushing after running for 100 yards last week against San Francisco. SAFETY FIRST: Hunter beat Michael Oher to sack Newton in the end zone in the first quarter for Minnesota’s first safety since Jared Allen had one on Dec. 4, 2011. Hunter has 6 1/2 sacks in seven games. SHERELS RETURN: Sherels accounted for the Vikings only touchdown of the first half, taking an Andy Lee punt near midfield and cutting across the grain for a 54-yard touchdown return. BENJAMIN’S BLUNDERS: Benjamin was called for two penalties in the first half, including a block in the back that nullified a 56-yard TD reception by Whittaker.